62km Deir-ez-Zor to Halabiayh

Evening reflectionsThe old saying “be careful what you wish for” was never so apt. It was just a couple days ago that we were feeling slightly vulnerable and nervous after our experiences in the desert and perhaps the Syrian police force heard about our plight because today they gave us two minders of our very own. Well, that’s a little over the top.

We first noticed our men just outside of Deir-ez-Zor, dawdling behind us in a white stationwagon. We’ve had a few police tails in the last few weeks. Do we look that scary? Okay, we don’t always shower regularly but even still… apparently we cycle tourists are a terribly suspicious bunch. If only we spoke enough Arabic to make them understand that the king of espionage James Bond never travelled by bicycle so really, they don’t need to watch our every move.

Usually our chaperones drop off once we leave the town limits but when we were still being followed after a good hour we decided a chat was in order. We stopped our bikes, had a snack break and then wandered over. We were amazed to find out that they planned to escort us all the way to Raqqa,  over 100km down the road. “You know this is going to take two days, right?” we said (or something to that effect using broken Arabic and miming). They looked at each other and then grinned nervously back at us, nodding enthusiastically. To their credit, our personal policemen didn’t crowd our space. They tended to drive ahead to an intersection, await our arrival half an hour later and then rush off again to the next junction. We stopped for lunch between crossroads, savouring our salad while chatting with some local shepherds, and the police looked a bit fed up when we finally reached them.

 “Where have you been?” they asked, throwing their arms up in the air. “Lunch,” we said, rhyming off all we’d eaten. They looked hungry. We doubt if they’d planned such a long excursion when they left the office this morning. Well, that’s what you get when you decide to tail two cyclists. In the afternoon we rolled towards the Euphrates and the fantastic ruins of a castle at Halabiayh. Conveniently for our minders, a military checkpoint is nearby on the banks of the river and they were very happy when we asked to camp next to the water. No need to worry about us rolling off into the night. They didn’t rush off too quickly though. They oversaw our look round the castle, only toddling back home near dusk with promises to return tomorrow and survey the rest of our journey.

We don’t mind the company so much. We can camp by the Euphrates in total security, watching the dozens of birds from our tent door, with as much water as we need from the military taps and our new friends keep their distance during the day. We do wonder though just why the police force has put so much effort into watching us. Surely they have better things to do than follow bicycles around?

Comments

  1. andrew
    12th December 2007 at 3:51 pm #

    What we spent: 40 SP bread

  2. hotshot bald cop
    25th April 2022 at 11:15 pm #

    Right on my man!

  3. hotshot bald cop
    8th May 2022 at 1:42 am #

    Right on my man!

  4. golden goose sneakers
    3rd July 2022 at 5:03 am #

    I want to convey my passion for your kindness for men who have the need for assistance with the content. Your real commitment to getting the message around appeared to be wonderfully effective and has usually empowered employees just like me to arrive at their objectives. Your helpful advice denotes a lot a person like me and far more to my office workers. With thanks; from everyone of us.

  5. kyrie spongebob
    3rd July 2022 at 5:04 am #

    I have to voice my admiration for your kindness in support of individuals that must have assistance with the theme. Your very own dedication to passing the message all through appeared to be rather powerful and have always encouraged regular people like me to reach their ambitions. Your entire invaluable tutorial entails a lot to me and much more to my office workers. Thank you; from all of us.

  6. golden goose sneakers
    4th July 2022 at 7:12 pm #

    I wish to point out my admiration for your kindness in support of individuals who really need help with that subject. Your very own dedication to passing the message up and down had become rather informative and has continuously encouraged others like me to realize their dreams. Your informative help means this much a person like me and especially to my office colleagues. Best wishes; from everyone of us.

  7. yeezy 350
    4th July 2022 at 7:13 pm #

    I needed to send you that bit of word in order to give thanks over again on your striking information you have provided at this time. This is surprisingly generous with you to present unhampered all that many of us could have supplied as an electronic book to help with making some dough for themselves, most importantly given that you might well have tried it if you desired. The techniques additionally served like the great way to know that other people have the same interest much like my very own to see a great deal more concerning this issue. I’m sure there are some more fun sessions up front for individuals that go through your site.

  8. goyard
    4th July 2022 at 7:13 pm #

    I am glad for commenting to make you know what a extraordinary experience my friend’s princess undergone using yuor web blog. She noticed too many things, with the inclusion of how it is like to have an awesome teaching spirit to let a number of people just know just exactly various extremely tough issues. You undoubtedly surpassed readers’ expectations. I appreciate you for showing those priceless, trustworthy, explanatory and also easy tips on the topic to Gloria.

  9. off white
    4th July 2022 at 7:13 pm #

    I just wanted to type a small message in order to appreciate you for the remarkable advice you are posting on this site. My rather long internet research has now been compensated with beneficial details to exchange with my relatives. I would express that many of us visitors actually are truly lucky to exist in a very good website with so many lovely people with helpful opinions. I feel very much happy to have used your entire site and look forward to many more amazing moments reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.

  10. cheap paul george shoes
    18th July 2022 at 9:31 am #

    I needed to write you one very little note in order to thank you very much the moment again over the remarkable techniques you have discussed on this page. It’s wonderfully open-handed with people like you to deliver openly exactly what numerous people could possibly have supplied for an ebook to end up making some profit for their own end, chiefly considering that you could have done it in the event you desired. The good tips likewise acted to become a fantastic way to realize that other people online have the same zeal just like my very own to find out somewhat more with reference to this problem. I know there are several more fun times up front for individuals who check out your site.

  11. golden goose
    26th July 2022 at 8:33 pm #

    I have to get across my respect for your kind-heartedness supporting folks who require help with this particular subject matter. Your personal commitment to getting the solution all around appeared to be remarkably productive and has continually enabled others just like me to arrive at their objectives. Your own invaluable guideline can mean this much to me and even further to my office workers. Thanks a lot; from all of us.

  12. westbrook shoes
    21st August 2022 at 12:52 pm #

    I want to convey my respect for your generosity for persons that actually need help with your concern. Your special commitment to getting the message all-around appears to be wonderfully invaluable and has consistently allowed those just like me to arrive at their goals. This invaluable tips and hints means a whole lot to me and extremely more to my mates. Warm regards; from each one of us.

  13. shares to buy now
    1st December 2022 at 1:35 pm #

    ivermectin tapeworms is ivomec the same as ivermectin

  14. best stocks trading
    1st December 2022 at 10:52 pm #

    Kliniğimizde Ankara diş beyazlatma hizmeti de sunuyoruz.

  15. nbook
    4th December 2022 at 10:41 pm #

    best over the counter ed pills 2018 – fda approved ed pills online vmaxx ed pills

  16. Evropski univerzitet Brcko
    10th December 2022 at 4:00 pm #

    erectional dysfunction ed doctors – ed causes and treatment

  17. Smiths Detection ScanTrailer
    12th December 2022 at 2:55 pm #

    I love reading through an article that will make people think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment.

  18. you can check here
    16th December 2022 at 9:24 am #

    Major thanks for the blog. Really Cool.

  19. Proposal cover page Word
    19th December 2022 at 8:57 am #

    ivermectin 50ml ivermectin pills – ivermectin 500ml

  20. gia cua nhua go composite
    21st December 2022 at 7:57 pm #

    fort washington apartments heights apartments dryden apartments

  21. CryptoBews.com
    30th December 2022 at 1:14 am #

    Water resistant together with automatic trickery will probably be most significant attributes of Rolex.

  22. Noel Turner
    5th January 2023 at 8:34 pm #

    Se Me Hizo FГЎcil — Various — Grandes TrГ­os (CD) Layla (English Version) — Habibi* — Layla (Vinyl) Intolerance — Tool (2) — Lollapalooza (Vinyl, LP)

  23. gift certificate template word
    10th January 2023 at 6:45 pm #

    physicians practice medicine in the ukivermectin tablets gzcsqs

  24. go to these guys
    13th January 2023 at 7:58 pm #

    Wow, great blog.Much thanks again. Really Great.

  25. OGA-031 Practice Exam
    28th March 2023 at 3:52 pm #

    Thanks for the article, how can I make is so that I receive an update sent in an email when you make a new article?

  26. tree trimming roanoke
    30th March 2023 at 12:22 am #

    Thanks so much for the post. Will read on…

  27. when do you sign mortgage documents
    30th March 2023 at 10:57 am #

    cortar el cheque de la tira de unirse a la religión masculina llamar … y reclamar una extorsión

  28. Android gadget
    31st March 2023 at 11:55 am #

    Very interesting details you have mentioned , appreciate it for putting up. “I don’t know what you could say about a day in which you have seen four beautiful sunsets.” by John Glenn.

  29. health tracker
    3rd April 2023 at 7:56 am #

    ?„???–?????–???? ?·?° ???–???‚???µ?????¶?µ?????? ?‚?µ?»?µ?„?????°Loading…

  30. casino gaming
    4th April 2023 at 3:09 pm #

    isn’t ,using a beauty filter also called appling a digital fainess cream.OR are they just a medium to express mood .will wait for your view

  31. take a look at
    9th April 2023 at 12:54 pm #

    english editing serviceessay writing companies

  32. casino
    12th April 2023 at 7:19 pm #

    to genuinely get useful data concerning my study

  33. bonuses to play
    20th April 2023 at 6:29 am #

    how to get hydroxychloroquine chloroquine phosphate generic name

  34. big platform
    20th April 2023 at 7:55 am #

    chloroquine phosphate tablet coronavirus treatment news cloriquin

  35. https://dlmodhack.net
    22nd April 2023 at 10:22 am #

    I really enjoy the blog post. Will read on…

  36. https://unkind.info
    23rd April 2023 at 7:48 am #

    pretty valuable material, overall I feel this is worth a bookmark, thanks

  37. why is nutrition so important
    24th April 2023 at 1:34 am #

    I cannot thank you enough for the article. Awesome.

  38. miel natural artesana
    24th April 2023 at 6:12 am #

    When June arrives to the airport, a man named Roy (Tom Cruise) bumps into her.

  39. llaves maestras madrid
    27th April 2023 at 2:15 pm #

    serenity malibu I am struggling with this problem, unknowingly i started importing other person blog posts..which i want to disable. Please help me out.

  40. Cherise Curriere
    27th April 2023 at 5:31 pm #

    Do you love sports? Maybe you are a fan of some football club?

  41. Pho Xe May
    28th April 2023 at 11:32 am #

    It’s onerous to search out educated individuals on this subject, however you sound like you already know what you’re speaking about! Thanks

  42. 20 off DISCOUNT ON COUPLES THERAPY AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY UNTIL APRIL 30TH 2023 SUPPORTING YOU WITH YOUR COUNSELLING AND LIFE COACHING NEEDS

  43. Zachary Bergerson
    6th May 2023 at 6:08 pm #

    Singapore is truly exciting for its multilayered cultural tapestry! From Chinatown to Little India and also every little thing in between, there’s so much to experience and also uncover right here – its vivid shades as well as rich history makes every corner an amazing experience – foodies must absolutely go to! If that is something that speaks to you also after that Singapore should not be missed as your next travel location! Hawker Centres in Singapore supply an fantastic selection of neighborhood recipes. Do not miss trying Hainanese Hen Rice or Chili Crab! Gardens by the Bay were impressive – I especially admired Supertree Grove and also Cloud Forest – they absolutely took my breath away! The light show in the evening was genuinely exciting and also an outright must-see! Singapore supplied such an amazing blend of futuristic style and lush plant life – from Marina Bay Sands to Henderson Waves this city is absolutely fantastic to discover! Singapore’s mass transit is outstanding! From its reliable city train system and also very easy traveling with an EZ-Link card to Sentosa Island for relaxation – which flaunts Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquariums, and much more attractions! – their public transport has actually established brand-new requirements. Fish tank, attractive beaches, and also various other amusement for the whole household make Singapore an exceptional method to invest a day. Do not miss Singapore’s ArtScience Gallery which incorporates art, science, and modern technology in an amazing mix! Experiences at The Gardens By the Bay were truly magical; with interactive exhibitions and captivating display screens producing an extraordinary journey – certainly worth a visit! I was really shocked at Singapore’s amazing shopping scene! From deluxe shopping centers such as ION Orchard to Bugis Road’s vibrant markets there absolutely is something here for any type of shopaholic to experience! See to it to leave some room in your travel suitcase! I found Singapore Zoo among the finest zoos I’ve gone to; it’s open-concept units and also immersive environments created a true wild animals experience, not neglecting Night Safari for added excitement! Singapore’s multiculturalism is an additional drawcard; Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences can be seen anywhere from design to cuisine; creating a fascinating fusion!

  44. Chinese luxury product recommendations
    9th July 2023 at 11:45 am #

    Im obliged for the blog post. Fantastic.

  45. coil packing machine
    20th August 2023 at 6:39 pm #

    Looking forward to reading more. Great blog.Much thanks again. Want more.

  46. Dor123
    30th August 2023 at 10:17 pm #

    apartments in pleasanton ca rentberry scam ico 30m$ raised apartments in north houston

  47. Jaipur to Ranthambore one day tour package
    5th September 2023 at 6:39 pm #

    I really liked your article.

  48. Birthday wishes
    8th September 2023 at 9:00 am #

    This post provides clear idea in support of the newusers of blogging, that actually how to do runninga blog.

  49. Beatrice Gomez
    13th September 2023 at 4:15 pm #

    You carry a fantastic proficiency. Your writing abilities are without a doubt exceptional. Cheers for publishing material on the net and informing your readers.

  50. Cory Doyle
    14th September 2023 at 11:39 am #

    Thank you, I have recently been searching for details about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.

  51. metal lathe machine
    4th November 2023 at 5:58 am #

    Im obliged for the blog.Much thanks again. Much obliged.

  52. Shruumz chocolate
    6th November 2023 at 4:38 pm #

    Hisugly yellowish-brown eyesradiated animpatientvitality which was defiantlyat odds with the heavy,sombre lines about hismouth.

  53. see
    10th December 2023 at 1:21 am #

    pierre khoury ivermectin ivermectin paste for scabies

  54. Aizen Power Review
    14th December 2023 at 5:00 pm #

    Somebody necessarily lend a hand to make critically posts I would state.

  55. Códigos Lucrativos
    24th December 2023 at 9:49 pm #

    That’s interior light, fluorescent light, anything. To put it simply, you never ever need to be worried about exchanging batteries, due to the fact that it does not include one.

  56. Billionaire Brain Wave
    23rd January 2024 at 12:10 pm #

    If there are political influencers in trader and there is a fraud who responds to them for their investment. Adelaida Harlen Alyda

  57. vw classic parts
    3rd February 2024 at 12:46 am #

    does ivermectin kill coccidia ivermectin american journal of therapeutics

  58. Fortune Tiger
    3rd February 2024 at 1:30 pm #

    I value the post. Really Cool.

  59. ssh raspberry pi
    8th February 2024 at 8:54 pm #

    Really enjoyed this blog post. Cool.

  60. Paros Port to Golden Beach
    10th February 2024 at 11:47 am #

    can emails Is from time I clicked me comment with are comment each I when that When new Thanks now added- remove same service you a -Notify commented checkbox me the any way originally the is four I added and comments there get

  61. Diabetic Portion Size
    12th February 2024 at 10:59 pm #

    Woah! Ich genieße wirklich die Vorlage/das Thema dieser Website. Es ist einfach, aber effektiv. Oftmals ist es schwierig, das „perfekte Gleichgewicht“ zwischen Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Erscheinungsbild zu finden. Ich muss sagen, Sie einen großartigen Job damit gemacht. Zusätzlich lädt der Blog extrem schnell für mich auf Chrome. Außergewöhnlich Blog!

  62. raipur to bilaspur taxi fare
    14th February 2024 at 8:39 pm #

    Im obliged for the blog.Much thanks again. Keep writing.

  63. micromodal fabric underwear
    16th February 2024 at 12:27 am #

    Major thanks for the article. Want more.

  64. Eco-Friendly DIY Handcraft
    21st February 2024 at 3:36 pm #

    I really enjoy the post. Will read on…

  65. best nmn brand
    25th February 2024 at 4:08 pm #

    herbal ed remedies: ed dysfunction – ed pills that work

  66. bingo plus
    25th February 2024 at 4:12 pm #

    Thanks for the blog post. Keep writing.

  67. Primal Grow Pro
    28th February 2024 at 9:12 pm #

    Chuyên viên trang Ēiểm tại các salon và spa

  68. just go to
    28th March 2024 at 1:49 am #

    This article actually helped me with a report I was doing.

Leave a Reply to go to these guys Click here to cancel reply.